Neptune’s Daughter

Neptune’s Daughter

Year: 1949

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Edward Buzzell

MusicComedyRomance

Betty Barrett, a scatterbrained socialite, mistakes masseur Jack Spratt for José O’Rourke, captain of a South‑American polo team. Jack goes along with the charade, and their deception deepens as they fall in love. Betty’s pragmatic sister Eve, fearing heartbreak, arranges a meeting with the real O’Rourke, and soon finds romance herself amid songs, spectacle and bathing beauties.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Neptune’s Daughter (1949)

Trace every key event in Neptune’s Daughter (1949) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Eve accepts Joe's partnership after considering publicity

Eve initially rejects Joe Backett's offer to join the Neptune swimsuit design company, but she changes her mind when she sees the publicity potential. The partnership could boost her profile as an aquatic ballet dancer and expand the company's reach. She ultimately agrees to partner with Joe.

early Neptune swimsuit design company
2

Plan for a swimming spectacle around the polo match

Joe and Eve brainstorm a public swimming spectacle to coincide with the visiting South American polo team's match. They coordinate costumes and routines, aiming to attract crowds and media attention. The plan ties Eve's performance skills to the team's publicity.

shortly after Neptune factory / town venue
3

Betty learns of the South American team and schemes a date

Eve tells her sister Betty about the South American polo team, and Betty immediately schemes to find a date among the players. She sees the visit as a chance to boost her social life. Her plan sets the stage for the comedy of mistaken identity.

same day Betty's house
4

Jose visits Jack for a massage and shares dating tips

Jose O'Rourke seeks relief for his injured arm from Jack Spratt, a bumbling masseur. During the session, Jose offers advice on attracting women and teaches Jack the 'language of love' in Spanish. The encounter plants the seeds for Jack's later impersonation.

during the massage Jack Spratt's massage parlor
5

Betty mistakes Jack for Jose and visits his house

While searching for the famous polo captain, Betty mistakes Jack for Jose and invites him to visit her at his house. Jack pretends to be Jose and agrees to visit, keeping his true identity hidden. This mix-up initiates the central dating misadventure.

the next day Betty's house
6

Jack's date with Betty and his Spanish charm

On their date, Jack secretly plays a Spanish language instruction record while pretending to speak romantic phrases. He uses the 'language of love' to charm Betty, though his real identity remains hidden. The scene blends humor with budding romance.

the date night Betty's house / date location
7

Eve warns Jose away from her sister

Eve confronts Jose and warns him to stay away from Betty. Jose pretends to understand and agrees to break his supposed date with Betty. The confrontation deepens the romantic entanglement and shows Eve's protective stance toward her sister.

the following day Neptune offices / Eve's workplace
8

Jose asks Eve out, and she agrees to keep him from Betty

Despite her misgivings, Eve agrees to go on a date with Jose to prevent him from pursuing Betty. The outing gives them time to connect, and Eve finds herself attracted to Jose even as she resists his charm. The arrangement complicates her loyalty to Betty.

the next day Neptune factory / Eve's place
9

Matilda reports Betty's date with Jose; Eve searches Jose's apartment

Matilda informs Eve that Betty has gone on another date with Jose, triggering jealousy and concern. Eve rushes to Jose's apartment to confront him and locate her sister, but she finds nothing there and leaves more confused. The miscommunication escalates the romantic triangle.

the following day Jose's apartment
10

Lukie Luzette orders a kidnapping; Jack is abducted by mistake

Crooked nightclub owner Lukie Luzette learns a polo MVP is visiting and hatches a plan to kidnap him to fix the betting odds. He dispatches a henchman to abduct the supposed target, but the henchman mistakenly abducts Jack Spratt instead. The switch-up creates a new set of complications just as the match looms.

midnight / soon after Lukie's nightclub / vicinity
11

Jose proposes to Eve; Betty reveals she is engaged to Jose

Jose proposes marriage to Eve, who accepts, envisioning a future together. Moments later, Betty interrupts with the news that she and Jose are now engaged, overturning Eve's hopes and triggering a fresh round of doubt. The love triangle reaches a pivotal moment.

the same day as the proposal Eve and Betty's house
12

The polo match begins; Jack helps Betty and scores for South America

As the big polo match starts, Jack escapes his captors and, under Betty's mistaken belief that he is Jose, helps him mount a horse. He inadvertently scores a victory for the South American team, paradoxically aiding the competition he shouldn't assist. The crowd is swept up in the comic chaos.

during the match polo field
13

Police free Jose and he returns to the field

Police locate Jose and free him, and he races to the polo field just in time to receive the trophy. The reunion clears up Eve's confusion about Jose's intentions. The crowd cheers as the misunderstandings are resolved.

after the match polo field / stadium
14

Jack admits he's an impostor; Betty forgives him; a double wedding is planned

Jack finally admits to Betty that he is not Jose, confessing his impersonation. Betty forgives him and chooses love over deceit. The film closes with plans for a double wedding for Jack and Betty and for Eve and Jose.

end Betty's house

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:19

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The narrative pattern often involves characters from different worlds colliding in a glamorous or idyllic setting, with their courtship punctuated by elaborate musical performances. The plot is secondary to the overall mood, using simple romantic obstacles and comedic subplots as a framework to showcase musical talent and visual delight, always concluding on a high note.

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These movies are grouped by their shared commitment to creating a worry-free, aesthetically pleasing world where music and romance are paramount. The similarity lies in the fusion of a steady, pleasant pace, a visually bright and stylish setting, and an overarching feeling of cheerful optimism.

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Neptune’s Daughter Summary

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Neptune’s Daughter Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Neptune’s Daughter

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